Crusaders 2020
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@Steven-Harris I thought it was going to be Nonu (anyone know what he's doing next year?).
I could see some point to Ma'a, but I'm struggling to see much upside to Rene for the Crusaders.
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@Chris-B Crusaders approached him..lot will depend where his rehab and fitness is..could amount to nought..has a real cult following which safer supporters will enjoy .let’s see how it pans out..heard that Tim Bateman has or will be pulling the pin, so that could have been in the Saders thinking ..you have Amua from Ta$man..but I am not sure if Super Rugby is his ceiling..I am picking the Saders have 3 definite midfield options ,Goodhue,Ennor and Haviili who can slot in,you pick a younger player,maybe a Dallas McLeod..and a Ranger replaces a Bateman..
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@Steven-Harris Yes - Tim Bateman is definitely finished with the Crusaders (though maybe not Canterbury).
I suspect Big Levi was a bit of a "best of what's left" selection for Leon last season. Though is SBW and Ma'a are both leaving, he may well be on the Blues roster again. He's pretty one dimensional, though his one trick is a good one - at NPC level anyway. Lacks speed to be a standout at Super level.
I guess, when you look at everyone leaving, there will be an dearth of back-up midfielders. Might have to pay more attention to Fetuli Paea - though he's a Tongan international, so might need an exemption to sign him.
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@Chris-B I have heard the Saders are looking at unknown Fijian open side loose forward who played for the Fijian under 20s last year..I did get this information 2nd hand but the source I got it from I have no reason to doubt it..
And given the Saders do make some smart choices when it comes to Fijian players , it would not surprise ..
Would be a selection made purely on potential. -
@Steven-Harris Interesting!
I guess there's no completely obvious pick to join Billy Harmon in the squad - from what is floating around they could do a lot worse than Havili, though.
Good to hear that the Mako have got the German kid's signature (Anton Segner) safely on paper. Hopefully Razor is contracting opensides with one eye on keeping some space for 2021/22.
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@Chris-B A solid option for the Crusaders could be Sam Henwood, he has been with the Canes for the last few seasons but I don't think they've signed him yet.
Also hasn't Michael Jones son signed with the Crusaders?
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@Chris-B Havilli is very tidy and would be a good pick up,Harmon should be selected based on what I have seen..Christie was very good last night, but I would say Northland are playing with out a specialist 7.
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@Canes4life Hasn't Henwood been injured a lot? The Crusaders already have Sanders almost permanently in the injury ward; I doubt they want another player joining him.
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@Steven-Harris Christie is a useful player, but he's pretty small. I'd prefer they were looking for opensides that can be built to Sam Cane/Richie McCaw dimensions.
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I wonder whether the Crusaders are looking at Brendon O'Connor? Not saying they should, although he's solid for the Bay and he's been in their squad in the past, but if they want to bridge a gap (in time) until the next youngster is ready ... He has plenty of experience.
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@Canes4life We can't be signing Hurricanes rejects in the forwards!
I think Niko Jones signed with Auckland and Sevens.
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Gotta say Ennor isn't overly big either, looks a bit small if he is eying a future as an international mid fielder.
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@taniwharugby if Ennor wants to be a centre at International level, there is no reason he can't be. One of our best ever n Snakey Smith was almost identical to the height and weight of Ennor now.
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@Canes4life stats schmats....
standing next to someone gives a better perspective of size.
Not saying he cant, just saying he looks on the small side....same height as Goodhue too, but Goodhue seems bigger when you stand next to him.
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@taniwharugby He might need to put on a few kgs but he is certainly capable.
Looks about the same size as Crotty here:
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@Canes4life I've not stood next to Crotty, but have Ennor, Conrad, Goodhue, Ranger, Nonu of recent mid fielders...as I said just my perspective.
Yep he's still young so probably still some size to come through.
